Botanicals in Ameliorating Mycotoxicosis in Poultry

Abstract

Mycotoxicosis is a serious threat to poultry, caused by ingesting contaminated feed with toxigenic fungi or mycotoxins. It is characterized by loss of performance, poor immune response, and/or even death within a short period. The traditional approaches for the control of mycotoxicosis are based on the use of synthetic feed additives or toxin binders, which have certain limitations, such as the appearance of residues in poultry products, the emergence of drug resistance, and consumer's demand to use natural material for sustaining the health of animals. Therefore, this review was planned to explore the promising role of botanicals in ameliorating mycotoxicosis in poultry. The pathogenesis of mycotoxicosis involves the initiation of oxidative stress. Phytogenic or botanicals such as turmeric, garlic, ellagic acid, and curcumin exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and immunomodulatory properties. These properties help to detoxify mycotoxins, improve immune responses, protect against oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen species, and mitigate inflammation. Despite the use of synthetic compounds, farmers can employ a sustainable and natural approach i.e. the use of botanicals to control mycotoxicosis.